Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) push into the end zone was ruled a fumble recovered by Memphis Tigers defensive back Jonathan Cook (14) during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

Iowa State Cyclones running back David Montgomery (32) push into the end zone was ruled a fumble during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

owa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) steps out of bounds on a catch and run during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

owa State Cyclones wide receiver Hakeem Butler (18) steps out of bounds on a catch and run during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

ISU coach Matt Campbell yells at a referee on a call late in the game during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

ISU coach Matt Campbell yells at a referee on a call late in the game during the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

ISU head coach Matt Campbell points to the playback on the scoreboard showing play that was ruled a fumble in the end zone during the second half of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tennessee. ISU defeated Memphis 21-20. Rodney White/The Register

Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell directs his players as they warm up before the Liberty Bowl NCAA college football game between Iowa State and Memphis, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)(Photo: The Associated Press)

Iowa State was back on the field and back bowling for the first time since 2012 with a Saturday showdown against No. 18 Memphis in the Liberty Bowl.

The Cyclones lead 14-10 at halftime.

Here's what we learned from the first half:

Defense faces big challenge: Iowa State’s defense was already going to have its work cut out for it facing a Memphis offense that entered the game averaging 47.7 points per game. The challenge got even more difficult for the Cyclones, who are without two starters. Iowa State spokesperson Mike Green said before the game that defensive back Evrett Edwards was ineligible to play and safety Kamari Cotton-Moya was suspended for violation of team rules. It was a sour ending to the careers for both players. The defense didn’t seem to miss a beat, limiting Memphis to just one trip to the end zone and just one field goal before halftime.

Allen Lazard making up for lost time: The senior wide receiver is making up for three years of missed opportunities at bowl games with a strong first half. The senior grabbed seven catches for 108 yards on 11 targets. He’ll now finish his career with a reception in all 48 games played at Iowa State. Earlier in the week, Lazard had talked about how the bowl game was a shot to show NFL times what he could do. He’s taking advantage of the opportunity and going out in style.

Special teams mistakes: Iowa State prided itself during the regular season on playing solid, clean football, especially on special teams. That’s why it was a big surprise to see the unit have the biggest mistake of the first half. Punter Colin Downing mishandled a clean snap on an attempted punt, and Memphis took over on the Iowa State 40-yard line. Memphis quickly moved the 40 yards and tied the game 7-all when Riley Ferguson tossed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Miller. More forgivable is kicker Garrett Owens missing a 51-yard field goal with two minutes to play in the first half.

Running game slow to get going: Neither team could run the ball in the first half. But Iowa State’s struggles were the bigger surprise. The Cyclones finished the first quarter with minus-24 rushing yards and entered halftime with minus-5 yards on the ground. Even sophomore star running back David Montgomery, who has constantly made something out of nothing all season long, struggled to get into a rhythm. He finished the first half with just 5 yards on the ground.

Lan-Ram utilized: Iowa State star Joel Lanning’s versatility was on full display for the Liberty Bowl audience. The redshirt senior finished the first half with three total tackles. He also came in and finished a second quarter scoring drive by the Cyclones with a 2-yard rushing touchdown to give Iowa State a 14-7 lead.